Final answer:
Opiates are nociceptive blockers, inhibiting pain pathways by binding to opioid receptors. Local anesthetics prevent nerve signal transmission, leading to reversible sensory and motor blockage. Neither are adrenergic blockers; instead, they affect pain signals and nerve impulses.
Step-by-step explanation:
Opiates are primarily classified as nociceptive blockers. They function by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and other parts of the body, inhibiting pain pathways and thus providing pain relief. On the other hand, local anesthetics are agents that block nerve conduction when applied to nerve tissues. They work by preventing the initiation and transmission of nerve impulses, which results in a reversible blockage of both sensory and motor functions in the applied area. It is important to understand that these substances do not specifically block sympathetic or parasympathetic activity, nor do they act as adrenergic blockers. Instead, they target pain signals and nerve impulse transmission. This is why they are referred to as nociceptive blockers.
In terms of blocking neurotransmitter receptors, a drug that affects both divisions of the autonomic system would likely block or bind to nicotinic receptors since they are found in both the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system.
An agonist is a drug that typically binds to a receptor and mimics the action of the naturally occurring substance. For example, muscarinic agonists mimic the action of acetylcholine released by the parasympathetic postganglionic fibers.